Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiao Zhang, Yang Liu, Qiang Zuo, Qingyun Wang, Zuxi Li, Kai Yan, Tao Yuan, Yi Zhang, Kai Shen, Rui Xie, Weimin Fan
Summary: The newly developed bioink and silk fibroin-based bilayered scaffold have shown promising results in mimicking osteochondral tissue, with the ability to control mechanical properties, composition, and growth factor release in each layer. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the scaffold's effectiveness in promoting osteochondral regeneration and repair.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOPRINTING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Megan K. DeBari, Xiaodan Niu, Jacqueline V. Scott, Mallory D. Griffin, Sean R. Pereira, Keith E. Cook, Bin He, Rosalyn D. Abbott
Summary: The study reveals that therapeutic ultrasound can noninvasively trigger enhanced degradation of silk fibroin scaffolds by removing microbubbles on the scaffold surface. This ultrasound-responsive biomaterial is proven safe for human cells and effectively triggers scaffold degradation through human skin, increasing clinical relevance. The degradation profile can be adjusted noninvasively to improve regenerative outcomes.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Wei Zhang, Yanan Zhang, Xiaolong Li, Zhicheng Cao, Qingyun Mo, Renwang Sheng, Chen Ling, Jiayu Chi, Qingqiang Yao, Jialin Chen, Hongmei Wang
Summary: A multifunctional hydrogel composed of silk fibroin and tannic acid was developed to alleviate oxidative stress and enhance osteochondral regeneration. The hydrogel exhibited multiple biological effects, including scavenging of ROS, maintaining cell viability, and promoting stem cell proliferation. In vivo experiments showed enhanced regeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone with the hydrogel.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuqing Niu, Massimiliano Galluzzi, Fuming Deng, Zhang Zhao, Ming Fu, Liang Su, Weitang Sun, Wei Jia, Huimin Xia
Summary: The study found that the hyaluronic acid-coating silk fibroin nanofiber scaffold can effectively regulate the epithelialization process of urethral regeneration, promoting luminal epithelialization, smooth muscle bundle structural remodeling, and capillary formation.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niloofar Dehghani, Fatemeh Haghiralsadat, Fatemeh Yazdian, Fatemeh Sadeghian-Nodoushan, Nasrin Ghasemi, Fahime Mazaheri, Mehrab Pourmadadi, Seyed Morteza Naghib
Summary: In this study, a nanofiber wound dressing composed of chitosan/silk fibroin/N-doped carbon quantum dots/alpha-tricalcium phosphate was synthesized and characterized. The results showed that the nanofiber exhibited excellent biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, promoting wound healing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ziyang Zhou, Jin Cui, Shunli Wu, Zhen Geng, Jiacan Su
Summary: Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that causes physical and psychological harm to patients and burdens the healthcare system. Tissue engineering has been focusing on cartilage repair, with silk fibroin as a promising biomaterial due to its unique properties and capabilities for functional modification.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Matilde Tschon, Silvia Brogini, Annapaola Parrilli, Serena Bertoldi, Antonietta Silini, Ornella Parolini, Silvia Fare, Lucia Martini, Francesca Veronesi, Milena Fini, Gianluca Giavaresi
Summary: Chondral and osteochondral lesions are challenging problems in orthopedics, causing disability and impacting healthcare systems. This in vivo study developed a tissue engineering approach using a hybrid scaffold made of porous polyurethane foam coated with calcium phosphates. The scaffold allowed tissue growth and penetration, showing promising results for bone regeneration.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuai Wei, Yu Wang, Yu Sun, Leilei Gong, Xiu Dai, Haoye Meng, Wenjing Xu, Jianxiong Ma, Qian Hu, Xinlong Ma, Jiang Peng, Xiaosong Gu
Summary: Compared with most nondegradable or slowly degradable bone repair materials, bioactive biodegradable porous scaffolds with certain mechanical strengths can promote the regeneration of both new bone and vasculature while the cavity created by their degradation can be replaced by the infiltration of new bone tissue. A three-dimensional porous biomimetic composite scaffold with a two-component SF-MC system was constructed based on the advantages of mineralized collagen (MC) and silk fibroin (SF). The SF-MC scaffold showed good osteogenic induction and cell proliferation abilities, and in vivo experiments confirmed its efficacy in stimulating vascular and bone regeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ying Shen, Xinyu Wang, Yiyu Wang, Xiaodong Guo, Keda Yu, Kuo Dong, Yajin Guo, Cuiling Cai, Binbin Li
Summary: An ideal wound dressing for full-thickness wound regeneration should have desirable biocompatibility, mechanical properties, barrier function, and cellular regulation. In this study, a bilayer scaffold resembling the hierarchical structure of human skin was developed. The combination of a nonporous upper membrane and a porous lower scaffold improved the tensile strength and protected the wound from dehydration. The bilayer scaffold facilitated wound closure, granulation tissue formation, re-epithelialization, and skin component transition. This off-the-shelf and cell-free wound dressing is promising for full-thickness wound regeneration.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhi-Chao Hu, Jia-Qi Lu, Tai-Wei Zhang, Hai-Feng Liang, Hao Yuan, Di-Han Su, Wang Ding, Rui-Xian Lian, Yu-Xiang Ge, Bing Liang, Jian Dong, Xiao-Gang Zhou, Li-Bo Jiang
Summary: The electrical microenvironment plays a crucial role in bone repair, but the mechanism by which electrical stimulation promotes bone regeneration is unclear. In this study, an electroactive hydrogel based on regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) and MXene nanosheets was developed to efficiently promote bone regeneration. The hydrogel also functioned as a piezoresistive pressure transducer for monitoring the electrophysiological microenvironment.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qianyi Wang, Xinyue Ran, Jian Wang, Sinan Wang, Peiling Zhang, Erji Gao, Baoshuai Bai, Junfeng Zhang, Guangdong Zhou, Dong Lei
Summary: Tissue engineering is a promising approach for regenerative medicine, but current tissue engineered constructs made from porous scaffolds have issues with cell infiltration and mechanical properties. This study successfully integrated silk fibroin with silk short fibers to create fiber-reinforced silk fibroin super elastic absorbent sponges (Fr-SF-SEAs). The Fr-SF-SEAs exhibited desirable properties that promoted cell diffusion and achieved uniform cell distribution. The regenerated cartilage maintained its original structure and achieved human-scale ear-shaped cartilage regeneration. This research provides a platform strategy for tissue engineering for various cartilage defect repairs.
ADVANCED FIBER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rucha Deshpande, Swati Shukla, Raeesa Sayyad, Shalmali Salunke, Anuya Nisal, Premnath Venugopalan
Summary: This study compared the safety and efficacy of silk fibroin-based bone void fillers with ceramic fillers and evaluated their impact on stem cell differentiation. Results demonstrated that SF scaffolds promoted a better differentiation of stem cells into osteoblast lineage compared to ceramic scaffolds.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Weizhou Jiang, Xiuting Xiang, Minkai Song, Jianlin Shen, Zhanjun Shi, Wenhua Huang, Huan Liu
Summary: This study reports a novel all-silk-derived multi-functional biomaterial platform for osteochondral engineering, which can promote migration and pre-differentiation of endogenous cells in the early stage and regulate chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in the later stage. The composite hydrogel scaffold showed great biocompatibility and achieved successful cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration in experiments.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Shen, Xinyu Wang, Binbin Li, Yajin Guo, Kuo Dong
Summary: This study incorporated nanoparticles into a scaffold to improve hemostatic properties and stimulate cell adhesion. The scaffold loaded with nanoparticles exhibited higher blood clotting index and promoted platelets adhesion. In addition, the scaffold loaded with nanoparticles showed stimulation effects on cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Therefore, the scaffold loaded with nanoparticles has great potential as a wound dressing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhuoyue Chen, Qiang Zhang, Hongmin Li, Qi Wei, Xin Zhao, Fulin Chen
Summary: By modifying silk fibroin (SF) scaffolds with engineered elastin-like polypeptides (ELP), cell adhesion and proliferation can be improved, leading to enhanced formation of mature bone and cartilage tissues.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Srishti Singh, Joel Pereira, Teresa Brandao, Ana Leite Oliveira, Fatima Pocas
Summary: This study demonstrates that supercritical CO2 extraction can be used to efficiently remove contaminants from discarded polypropylene (PP) beverage cups, without significantly affecting their physical and sensory properties.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Omar Alheib, Lucilia P. da Silva, Il Keun Kwon, Rui L. Reis, Vitor M. Correlo
Summary: This review examines the potential of tissue-engineered surrogates in promoting muscle healing by critically analyzing data from recent preclinical models. It discusses the therapeutic advantages provided by a combination of different biomaterials, cell types, and biochemical mediators. The current therapies on muscle healing are summarized, highlighting their main advantages and drawbacks. Previous and ongoing clinical trials are also discussed, along with future directions for the field.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Ruman Rahman, Miroslaw Janowski, Clare L. Killick-Cole, William G. B. Singleton, Emma Campbell, Piotr Walczak, Soumen Khatua, Lukas Faltings, Marc Symons, Julia R. Schneider, Kevin Kwan, John A. Boockvar, Steven S. Gill, J. Miguel Oliveira, Kevin Beccaria, Alexandre Carpentier, Michael Canney, Monica Pearl, Gareth J. Veal, Lisethe Meijer, David A. Walker
Summary: Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and young adults, but drug treatments have had limited success due to the blood-brain barrier. This review explores techniques to enhance drug delivery to brain tumors and discusses preclinical models for translational development. It also highlights the potential of existing approved drugs when combined with efficient delivery methods. This research aims to address the current challenges faced by children with brain tumors and improve treatment outcomes.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Lara Pierantoni, Virginia Brancato, Joao B. Costa, Subhas C. Kundu, Rui L. Reis, Joana Silva-Correia, Joaquim M. Oliveira
Summary: A 3D breast cancer model based on collagen protein has opened up new avenues for studying cancer progression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana P. Capeto, Joao Azevedo-Silva, Sergio Sousa, Manuela Pintado, Ana S. Guimaraes, Ana L. S. Oliveira
Summary: In the last decade, bio-based polyesters have gained increasing attention for their potential in various biomedical applications. A flexible polyester was produced from microbial oil residue obtained from genetically modified yeast. The polyester exhibited excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for controlled release of active substances in wound dressing applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Guimaraes, Raquel Costa, Sara Madureira, Sandra Borges, Ana L. Oliveira, Manuela Pintado, Sara Baptista-Silva
Summary: Difficult-to-treat infections make complex wounds a problem of great clinical and socio-economic impact. Phytochemicals are promising alternatives for wound care, with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Chitosan-based microparticles were developed as carriers of tannic acid to improve its stability, bioavailability, and delivery. These microparticles showed high encapsulation efficiency, antimicrobial potential against common wound pathogens, and improved cell viability and proliferation compared to free tannic acid.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Francisca Frias, Beatriz Matos, Mariana Jarnalo, Sara Freitas-Ribeiro, Rui L. Reis, Rogerio P. Pirraco, Ricardo Horta
Summary: This study investigates the correlation between age, body mass index (BMI), history of obesity and massive weight loss, and harvest site with the expression of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell markers in human adipose tissue. The results indicate that ex-obese patients have a higher percentage of SVF cells expressing CD90. BMI, harvest site, and age do not appear to be associated with SVF subpopulations.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara F. Vieira, Samuel M. Goncalves, Virginia M. F. Goncalves, Carmen P. Llaguno, Felipe Macias, Maria Elizabeth Tiritan, Cristina Cunha, Agostinho Carvalho, Rui L. Reis, Helena Ferreira, Nuno M. Neves
Summary: Echinacea purpurea, especially the dichloromethanolic extract obtained from roots, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity and can be used as a basis for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The alkylamide fraction is identified as the main compound responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity, and it exerts its effect by downregulating several signaling pathways and cyclooxygenase-2 expression.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ane Escobar, Aleksandra Serafin, Mariana R. Carvalho, Mario Culebras, Andres Cantarero, Anne Beaucamp, Rui L. Reis, J. Miguel Oliveira, Maurice N. Collins
Summary: Novel PEDOT nanoparticles combined with silk fibroin are promising biomaterials for peripheral nerve regeneration, showing excellent mechanical and conductivity properties and avoiding scar tissue formation.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Luge Bai, Zhiyan Hao, Sen Wang, Jiajia Zhou, Siqi Yao, Na Pei, Hui Zhu, Kun Zhang, Rui L. Reis, J. Miguel Oliveira, Jiankang He, Dichen Li, Xinggang Mao, Ling Wang
Summary: In this study, an in vitro bioprinted 3D glioma model was proposed to simulate the natural glioma. Neurons could promote the proliferation of glioma cells and induce morphological changes in glioma cells to be neuron-like. Glioma cells, on the other hand, could maintain neuronal survival and promote neurite outgrowth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOPRINTING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Silvia Vieira, Paulina Strymecka, Luiza Stanaszek, Joana Silva-Correia, Katarzyna Drela, Michal Fiedorowicz, Izabela Malysz-Cymborska, Miroslaw Janowski, Rui Luis Reis, Barbara Lukomska, Piotr Walczak, Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
Summary: This study aims to develop a stable injectable Mn-based methacrylated gellan gum (Mn/GG-MA) hydrogel for real-time monitored cell delivery into the central nervous system. By supplementing GG-MA solutions with paramagnetic Mn2+ ions, the hydrogel can be visualized under Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Cell-laden hydrogels prepared using the Mn/GG-MA formulations remained viable after 7 days of culture. In vivo tests on immunocompromised mice showed that the injection of Mn/GG-MA solutions resulted in a continuous and traceable hydrogel visible on MRI scans. Overall, the developed formulations are suitable for non-invasive cell delivery techniques and image-guided neurointerventions.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Izabela Lima, Lina Moreno, Savia Dias, Durcilene Silva, Antonia Carla Oliveira, Lamartine Soares, Rayran Sousa, Dalton Dittz, Hercilia Rolim, Livio Nunes
Summary: In this study, mesalazine (MSZ) was encapsulated in nanoparticles (NP) of acetylated cashew gum (ACG) to improve its absorption in the colon. NPs were synthesized using the dialysis method and different polymer:drug ratios were investigated. The results showed that NP-ACG is a promising vector for the sustained release of MSZ in the colon when administered orally.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Sara Amorim, Olesia Dudik, Diana Soares da Costa, Rui L. Reis, Tiago H. Silva, Ricardo A. Pires
Summary: Silica nanoparticles were synthesized and modified with sulfonic acid groups or a sulfated polysaccharide to stabilize proteins and promote stem cell differentiation towards osteogenic lineage. The developed nanoparticles were characterized and showed good cytocompatibility. Coating the nanoparticles with fucoidan induced the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dilip Kumar Chandra, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Awanish Kumar, Chinmaya Mahapatra
Summary: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer significant potential in antifungal drug delivery. Their unique physicochemical properties and the development of functionalized CNTs and CNT-based hybrid materials (CNT-HMs) enable precise drug delivery, bio-barrier penetration, controlled release, and improved antifungal efficacy against fungal cells. This review examines CNTs and CNT-HMs in antifungal drug delivery, covering functionalization, drug loading, efficacy, and toxicity mitigation.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
